'Keshav Dev temple': HC calls ASI on demand for Jama Masjid survey

Prayagraj: In a suit filed in Allahabad High Court demanding a survey in Agra's Jama Masjid, claiming that Hindu deity idols were buried inside the masjid, the court asked Archeological Survey of India to file a response on Friday. According to the plaintiff, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb destroyed a temple of Keshav Dev in Mathura in 1670 and buried the remains of the deity's idol under the Jama Masjid, PTI reported.

The majestic Jama Masjid of Agra was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan around 1644-56.

The plaintiffs also prayed for the appointment of an advocate commissioner in the case seeking a survey of the masjid.

Justice Mayank Kumar Jain passed the order on Thursday while hearing a suit related to the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah case filed in the name of the deity -- Thakur Keshav Dev Ji, Maharaj Virajman Mandir Katra Keshav Dev.

The court observed, "An application (A-5) is moved on behalf of plaintiffs to direct the respondent-authority to make SIT Report as well as Archeological Survey by the competent authority and Advocate Commissioner also be appointed. Sri Manoj Kumar Singh learned counsel for the defendants, may file a reply to this application by the date fixed."

Earlier, the management committee of Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura had moved an impleadment application requesting the court to add it as a defendant in the suit. During the course of the hearing, a copy of the application was provided to the plaintiffs in the suit.

The court has fixed August 5 as the next date of hearing in the case.